The influence of spectral and temporal acuities in hearing on speech intelligibility

Gaston Hilkhuysen, Tammo Houtgast, Joost Festen

Abstract

The influence of spectral and temporal acuities in hearing on speech intelligibility was discussed. Models of speech intelligibility, like the speech Intelligibility index and the speech transmission index, stress the transfer of speech modulation in different frequency bands. The study finds reliable difference in temporal acuities among HI, but these difference have no influence on speech intelligibility. The results also confirm the finding of Noordhoek et al that reduction of spectral acuity distorts speech intelligibility.